UN Chief Guterres Tells AU: 2026 Isn’t 1946, Africa Must Get Permanent Security Council Seat

ADDIS ABABA — United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has sharply condemned Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent membership of the UN Security Council, calling the situation “indefensible” and out of touch with modern realities.

Addressing the 39th Ordinary Summit of the African Union (AU) in Addis Ababa, Guterres said the global power structure must reflect the world of today, not that of 1946.

“This is 2026, not 1946. Whenever decisions about Africa are made around the table, Africa must be at the table,” he declared, stressing that reform of the Security Council is necessary to restore its legitimacy.

Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s support for Africa’s push for justice on the global stage, including accountability for colonialism and slavery, as well as renewed efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Peace and security across the continent, he said, remain central to implementing the AU’s Pact of the Future.

On specific conflicts, the UN chief called for immediate action: he urged an end to hostilities in Sudan and a return to negotiations aimed at a lasting ceasefire and a Sudanese-led political transition. He also pressed warring factions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to honour commitments, implement an immediate ceasefire, and respect the country’s territorial integrity.

Guterres cautioned the Central African Republic against letting fragile political and security gains unravel and encouraged Libyan stakeholders to advance a UN-backed, Libyan-led political process.

This address marked Guterres’ final appearance before the AU as Secretary-General, underlining a clear message: Africa’s marginalisation in global decision-making is no longer justifiable.

The AU summit’s agenda includes reviewing peace and security conditions across the continent and evaluating conflict prevention efforts over the past year.